Against renewable energy

Here's a few starting points to get you thinking about the arguments against renewable energy in the Highlands and Islands.

Wind

  • Wind power isn't reliable or predictable - it's not windy all the time!
  • The Royal Society of Edinburgh's Inquiry into Energy Issues for Scotland (2006) stated Scotland can't rely on wind alone to meet its energy needs.
  • Poor planning of windfarm locations can damage animal habitats and spoil countryside views, and the noise can be disturbing for nearby residents.
  • Tests by the Ministry of Defence show that windfarms interfere with radar signals. They can also affect TV reception.
  • Building, transporting and assembling turbines still creates greenhouse gases, and uses a lot of energy.
  • Remote windfarms can impact on more than just the area where the turbines stand.  They may need new pylons to connect them to the national electricity grid.
  • Offshore wind farms could potentially affect marine wildlife and habitats if research into the most appropriate positioning is not carried out.
  • Offshore windfarms and power cables leading to the shore may cause hazard to ships or be damaged by storms.

Wave/Tidal

  • Currently, marine power systems are not as well-developed or practical as other renewable energy sources.
  • Wave power is very unpredictable and inconsistent.
  • Wave and tidal farms could interfere with shipping, and - if poorly located - may damage marine wildlife.
  • Tidal technology is even less developed than wave devices.
  • Because the technology is not proven, development is very expensive and no-one really knows what kind of devices might work.

Solar

  • Solar panels are expensive and the payback period on the initial investment is a lot longer than that of other renewable technologies.
  • Solar panels require expert installation, and need to cover a significant area of building to be worthwhile.
  • Some people might have objections to fitting solar panels to houses in some areas.
  • Scotland isn't the sunniest country in the world!

Geothermal

  • Geothermal energy requires pumps powered by non-renewable sources to get hot water from the ground to the surface.
  • Constructing geothermal plants can be destructive on the surface, but also below the surface drilling down can affect the ground stability.
  • Releasing heat from below the earth also releases some greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and nitric oxide.

Biofuels

  • Biofuels need large amounts of land for crops or algae to be grown.
  • Many people are concerned that land will be given over to growing crops for biofuels in countries where food production is more important, particularly in developing countries.
  • Some biofuels actually produce greenhouse gases, which some people claim are as damaging to the environment - or worse.

Hydro Power

  • Building hydro power stations impacts on the environment by changing the river and surrounding landscape.
  • The cost to build hydro power stations can be high, and the pay-back period can be long.
  • Because of the impact on the local environment, it has become more and more difficult for large projects to get permission to be built.

Take the challenge

Do you think your teams are ready to take The Big Green Challenge?  Register today for your chance to win the best debate surrounding green and renewable energies!

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Did you know?

Scotland has some of the windiest sites in Europe, perfect for generating loads of wind power!

Up to a quarter of Scotland's electricity could be provided by offshore and onshore windfarms.

 

Frequently asked questions

  • How do I register?

    Teachers should register at BGC@hient.co.uk, stating the name of the school and a contact phone number and email address.

    How many teams can I enter?

    A maximum of 2 teams can enter for each school. In-class debates will be held in schools to help pick the teams that will compete in The Big Green Challenge.

  • How much does it cost to enter?

    The Big Green Challenge is FREE! What's more, you can enter to win some great prizes for your school.

 

 

Discussion topics

  • Many people are in favour of renewable energy in general, but against renewable power stations locally. What are the reasons behind this, and is it fair?
  • Do you think renewables will ever be able to provide all of Scotland's energy?
  • Should decisions about renewable energy be taken just by the Scottish or British Government? Think of some ways your local community could get involved.